Review:
The title sums it all up: Nature as learning tool. This article discusses the benefit of a curriculum based on learning experiences of summer vacation through going out into nature and learning through firsthand experience by developing an appreciation for nature from many disciplines. Whether it is art, music, native customs, history, athletics, language, travel etc. these can all be valuable learning experiences and promotes lifelong learning. This article focuses on a conservation curriculum. These experiences can help students enjoy their learning but also understand why there is a need to preserve/conserve the earth’s natural beauty. The article discusses visiting national parks and museums and using these excursions as a tool to keep kids in learning mode outside the academic year and also use this as a tool to get kids engaged and back into the swing of things during the beginning of the school year. Teachers could use this curriculum all year long however. They could take trips or research places that are important to science and conservation and use this to keep students engaged and motivated all year. Teachers can use the students’ experiences as a teaching tool, specifically a teaching lens to engage students through many different disciplines not just in science classrooms.
Reaction:
I agree whole heartedly with this article, I think that first hand experiences really allow a student to get the depth and breadth when it comes to learning. It allows them to actually see and do something for themselves, allows them to gain their own perspective and build upon that knowledge. This type of curriculum also allows for some adventure and creativity in the classroom and creates a partnership in the classroom with learning instead of just reading text and rote memorization. I think this is a valuable teaching and learning tool that should be implemented in classrooms to engage students in science classrooms, give them perspective and allow them to take more of an active role in their learning. It also allows learning to take place year round instead of just during the academic year. It is fun, hands on learning that will captivate students and hopefully get their "passion" for science and conservation brewing.
Article Review: Nature as Learning Tool
(2011). Nature as Learning Tool. The Science Teacher, 78(5), 70-1. Retrieved from Education Full Text database
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Review:
The title sums it all up: Nature as learning tool. This article discusses the benefit of a curriculum based on learning experiences of summer vacation through going out into nature and learning through firsthand experience by developing an appreciation for nature from many disciplines. Whether it is art, music, native customs, history, athletics, language, travel etc. these can all be valuable learning experiences and promotes lifelong learning. This article focuses on a conservation curriculum. These experiences can help students enjoy their learning but also understand why there is a need to preserve/conserve the earth’s natural beauty. The article discusses visiting national parks and museums and using these excursions as a tool to keep kids in learning mode outside the academic year and also use this as a tool to get kids engaged and back into the swing of things during the beginning of the school year. Teachers could use this curriculum all year long however. They could take trips or research places that are important to science and conservation and use this to keep students engaged and motivated all year. Teachers can use the students’ experiences as a teaching tool, specifically a teaching lens to engage students through many different disciplines not just in science classrooms.
Reaction:
I agree whole heartedly with this article, I think that first hand experiences really allow a student to get the depth and breadth when it comes to learning. It allows them to actually see and do something for themselves, allows them to gain their own perspective and build upon that knowledge. This type of curriculum also allows for some adventure and creativity in the classroom and creates a partnership in the classroom with learning instead of just reading text and rote memorization. I think this is a valuable teaching and learning tool that should be implemented in classrooms to engage students in science classrooms, give them perspective and allow them to take more of an active role in their learning. It also allows learning to take place year round instead of just during the academic year. It is fun, hands on learning that will captivate students and hopefully get their "passion" for science and conservation brewing.